Old nic-name for a New Yorker. Comes from the days when it was New Amsterdam and the ruling Dutch wore knickers for pants. Since these were so commonly seen on the streets there, the name was then applied to the residents. Source of New York Knicks basketball team name as well.

A total cheapskate, especially when it comes to making sure to use every possible coupon and special offer--from our Dutch heritage and longtime association with Scots (Presbyterian) churches.

Washington Irving used our name in his satirical writings and played on the stereotype of cheapness, but ironically it wound up being turned right around into a sort of icon of upper-crust New York society! Don't be fooled by Ward McAllister's Four Hundred; a true Knickerbocker would never waste the bucks on the attire required to enter Mrs. Astor's ballroom.

Look, you can afford the cover charge, don't be such a knickerbocker about it.